Events from the year 1769 in Scotland.
Incumbents
Law officers Lord Advocate – James Montgomery Solicitor General for Scotland – Henry Dundas
Judiciary Lord President of the Court of Session – Lord Arniston, the younger Lord Justice General – Duke of Queensberry Lord Justice Clerk – Lord Barskimming
Events 29 April – James Watt is granted a British patent for "A method of lessening the consumption of steam in steam engines" – the separate condenser,Patent 913; specification accepted January 5. a key improvement (first devised by Watt in 1765 in Glasgow) which stimulates the Industrial Revolution. In September he completes a full-size experimental engine at Kinneil House. July 17 – Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant, having left Chester on 26 June, travels from Bamburgh to Dunbar to begin his tour of Scotland. 3 August – part of the first North Bridge, Edinburgh, collapses while nearing completion, killing five. 25 October – Murder of Alexander Montgomerie at Ardrossan. 9 November – first Co-operative Society in Britain founded by weavers at Fenwick, East Ayrshire. John Maxwell (of Dargavel) begins to practice as a lawyer in Glasgow, origin of McGrigors which continues as an independent firm until 2012. Ayr Bank opens. Fort George completed.
Births 2 May – John Malcolm, soldier, statesman and historian (died 1833 in London) 14 April – Sir William Rae, 3rd Baronet, politician and lawyer (died 1842) Charles Ewart, soldier (died 1846 in England) Robert Hetrick, poet and blacksmith (died 1849)
Deaths 25 October – Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton (born 1723; murdered)
The arts 9 December – first Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, opens. Richard Hurd's Ancient and Modern Scots Songs published.
References